Regina Rica is a popular destination in Tanay, Rizal, Philippines, known for its serene and spiritual atmosphere. The Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia, or Regina Rica, is a pilgrimage site that welcomes visitors of all religions. The place is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace and spiritual rejuvenation.
Regina Rica is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience spiritual healing and renewal. The place offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere that allows visitors to reflect and meditate.
History of Regina Rica
Regina Rica, also known as the Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia, is a popular pilgrimage site located in Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal, Philippines. It was founded in 2009 by Sr. Mary Epifania “Eppie” F. Brasil, OP, who also founded the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii on May 13, 2005, in Quezon City.
The 13.5-hectare Regina Rica is situated amidst the hills of Tanay, Rizal, and contains a 71-foot high statue of the Queen of the Holy Rosary, which is visible from the Marikina-Infanta Highway. The sanctuary also has a church, three waterfalls, a creek, and over 10,000 trees.
The name “Regina Rica” is derived from the Latin words “Regina” meaning “Queen” and “Rica” meaning “Rich.” The name reflects the Dominican Sisters’ mission to enrich the spiritual lives of visitors through prayer, meditation, and contemplation.
Regina Rica’s founding was inspired by the words of Jesuit theologian Karl Rahner, who said, “In the days ahead, you will either be a mystic (one who has experienced God for real) or nothing at all.” The Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii sought to create a space where visitors could experience God’s presence and deepen their spirituality.
Today, Regina Rica welcomes visitors from all over the world seeking spiritual renewal and healing. The sanctuary offers various retreats, workshops, and programs, including the RICA Retreat, a three-day silent retreat focusing on contemplative prayer and meditation. Regina Rica also provides opportunities for visitors to participate in the daily life of the Dominican Sisters, including attending daily Mass, praying the Rosary, and volunteering in the sanctuary’s various ministries.
Location and Accessibility
Regina Rica is a pilgrimage site nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, providing visitors with a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
How to get there
Getting to Regina Rica is relatively easy, and several options are available to visitors. One can take a bus or jeepney from Manila to Tanay, Rizal. From there, visitors can take a tricycle or jeepney to the site. The trip takes around two hours, depending on traffic conditions.
For those coming from Cogeo, Marikina, or Antipolo, jeepneys and vans are available that go directly to Regina Rica. The trip takes 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
Another option for visitors is to take the scenic Marilaque Highway, which connects Marikina, Rizal, and Quezon Province. The highway passes through the Sierra Madre Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take Sitio Aguho Street to get to Regina Rica from the highway.
PWD Friendly
Once at the site, visitors can park their vehicles in the designated parking area. There is a short walk to the main entrance, which is well-marked and easy to find. The site is wheelchair accessible, and visitors can access several restrooms and food stalls.
Regina Rica Entrance Fee, Opening Hours, and Parking
The entrance fee is free, but donations are accepted to help maintain the place. A parking area is available, but traffic can be heavy during peak season.
The place is closed on Tuesdays but open from Wednesdays to Mondays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can attend Sunday Mass, which starts at 10:30 AM or offer personal prayers. The service is in Filipino, but English translations are available.
Regina Rica has a strict dress code for visitors. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and mini-skirts are not allowed. Visitors are also not allowed to bring food and drinks inside the chapel, but a souvenir shop and gift shop are available for those who want to buy some mementos.
The place is calming and peaceful, with natural animals like sheep, goats, and horses roaming around. Visitors can also visit the Pasilungan Restaurant, which offers Filipino dishes, or the Pasilungan, where visitors can rest and meditate.
Religious Significance
Regina RICA in Tanay, Rizal, is a pilgrimage site that holds great religious significance to Catholics in the Philippines. The place is dedicated to Our Lady of Regina Rosarii, also known as Mama Mary, the patroness of the Rosary.
The site is home to a beautiful church where pilgrims can attend Mass and worship. The church is designed to blend with nature, and its unique architecture makes it a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. Visitors can also light candles and offer prayer intentions at the church.
The sisters of Regina RICA, who are nuns, run the place and offer healing services to those in need. Pilgrims can approach them to seek guidance, counseling, and spiritual direction. The sisters also conduct retreats and seminars to help visitors deepen their faith and relationship with God.
Regina RICA is a place of peace and love, where pilgrims can find solace and comfort in the presence of Mama Mary. The pilgrimage site is known for its serene and tranquil environment, which makes it an ideal place for meditation and reflection.
Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia
Regina Rosarii Institute for Contemplation in Asia is a refuge for those seeking peace and contemplation away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The farmland spans 13 hectares of rolling hills and lush forests, thanks to the efforts of donors and sponsors.
Visitors can enjoy the scenic view of the surroundings while exploring the various attractions within the institute. Regina RICA is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can attend mass on Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Regina Rosarii, the institute’s founder, envisioned a place where people can connect with God and nature. She believed that the institute would help people find inner peace and healing through prayer and contemplation. Regina RICA is a testament to her vision, and it continues to attract visitors from all over the world.
The institute offers various facilities and amenities for visitors, such as a chapel, meditation gardens, a labyrinth, and a rosary hill. Visitors can also purchase souvenirs and religious items at the gift shop. Regina RICA is a must-visit destination for those seeking a spiritual retreat in a serene environment.
Contact Info
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Regina Rica and where is it located in Tanay, Rizal?
Regina Rica is a pilgrimage site located in Tanay, Rizal in the Philippines. It is a 13.5-hectare land that features a chapel, a retreat house, a rosary garden, and a 71-foot statue of the Our Lady of Regina Rosarii.
How can I get to Regina Rica in Tanay, Rizal via public transportation?
To get to Regina Rica via public transportation, you can take a jeepney or van from Cubao or Shaw Boulevard to Tanay Public Market. From there, you can ride a tricycle to Regina Rica. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cubao to Tanay and ride a tricycle to Regina Rica.
What are the opening hours of Regina Rica in Tanay, Rizal?
Regina Rica is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
What is the entrance fee for Regina Rica in Tanay, Rizal?
There is no entrance fee to enter Regina Rica. However, donations are welcome to help maintain the facilities.
What is the mass schedule for Regina Rica in Tanay, Rizal in 2023?
The mass schedule for Regina Rica in Tanay, Rizal in 2023 is as follows:
- Monday to Saturday: 12:15 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM and 3:00 PM
How many steps are there in Regina Rica in Tanay, Rizal?
There are 301 steps in Regina Rica leading up to the statue of Our Lady of Regina Rosarii. Visitors are encouraged to climb the steps as a form of penance and prayer.
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